Traditional leaders praise work done by David Mabuza
The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) is among those visiting Mabuza's home today to console his grieving family following his death on Thursday.
Contralesa says that as Premier of Mpumalanga, Mabuza ensured traditional leaders were consulted on important government programmes and supported their development.
Contralesa President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena says Mabuza's leadership and respect for traditional authorities were remarkable
'For the first time, some of us were able to have cattle, tractors and traditional offices. It's not surprising when Amakhosi are here in their large numbers from the three districts, who came here after hearing that the giant has fallen.'
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Beyond the official statements and songs of remembrance for David Mabuza, there is a different tone emerging from communities still living with the scars of unresolved violence. Image: GCIS The passing of former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza has prompted a wave of tributes across South Africa — but in Mpumalanga, where he once ruled as premier, it has also reopened painful memories for families who believe the province's darkest political secrets were buried long before him. Mabuza died last week following a prolonged illness. His death has been met with solemn reflection from across the political spectrum, with the ANC organising memorials in multiple provinces. In his hometown of Barberton, mourners have gathered in large numbers to pay their respects. ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane has led tributes, calling Mabuza a 'dedicated leader who served his people with dignity.' 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Your name will never be forgotten.'Her words have since been widely shared, reigniting discussions around political violence in Mpumalanga — a province long associated with intimidation, hit-lists, and suspicious killings of whistleblowers. Jimmy Mohlala's murder remains unsolved. He had insisted on accountability for those behind the stadium tender process and pushed for criminal charges against contractors and officials. His death, coming just days before he was due in court, was seen by many as a warning to others who considered speaking out. In an exclusive interview with The Star, Lassy Chiwayo, former Mbombela mayor and one-time political ally turned critic of Mabuza, also reflected on this history in recent interviews. He says Mabuza's tenure was marked by a culture of silence, fear, corruption and a reign of terror. 'There are still too many unanswered questions,' Chiwayo said. 'We were living in a climate where challenging powerful interests could cost you your life. For some of us, it nearly did. Chiwayo, who had been outspoken about alleged corruption in the province, endured intense pressure and threats under Mabuza's leadership. ''At the height of the political tensions, he survived attempts on his life and lived with the daily reality of being on a reported hit-list. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Sources within the provincial government at the time claimed his death might have been linked to his refusal to approve a R20 million tender allegedly connected to a politically influential figure. Neither Mohlala's nor Mphatlanyane's murders have resulted in prosecutions. 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When it came to the ANC, he specialised in bogus branches. There was a migration of people from Mozambique and Swaziland to pose as members of the ANC. ''The harm he caused will haunt the ANC, the province and the country long after Mabuza is gone. It will take us decades to correct the years of Mabuza and his tender-thugs. It will take us decades to heal the ANC in Mpumalanga' Chiwayo is among several individuals whose names appeared on alleged hit-lists circulating in the province during the late 2000s and early 2010s. One such list named over 20 individuals marked for assassination or poisoning. Among the names were civil servants, politicians, and businesspeople, many of whom had challenged tender irregularities or refused to cooperate with corrupt demands. Another person named on these lists was Sammy Mphatlanyane, a senior government communications officer, who was shot outside his Nelspruit home in early 2009.
Eyewitness News
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BARBERTON - Traditional leaders have joined mourners in Barberton, Mpumalanga, to pay tribute to former deputy president David Mabuza, praising his support for customary institutions during his political career. The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) is among those visiting Mabuza's home today to console his grieving family following his death on Thursday. Contralesa says that as Premier of Mpumalanga, Mabuza ensured traditional leaders were consulted on important government programmes and supported their development. Contralesa President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena says Mabuza's leadership and respect for traditional authorities were remarkable 'For the first time, some of us were able to have cattle, tractors and traditional offices. It's not surprising when Amakhosi are here in their large numbers from the three districts, who came here after hearing that the giant has fallen.'
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